PQDI vs VTI
Principal Spectrum Preferred and Income ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PQDI | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $70M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.61% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 95 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +1.47% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.94% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +8.59% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.99% | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -17.4% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Principal Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 16, 2020 | May 24, 2001 |
PQDI vs VTI Performance
Principal Spectrum Preferred and Income ETF (PQDI) is a ETF from Principal Funds and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PQDI returned +4.94% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, PQDI is up 1.47% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, PQDI compounded at +8.59% per year against +21.83% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +2.99% and +12.01% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.09% annualized vs +3.99%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 6.3% for PQDI. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -17.4% for PQDI and -56.6% for VTI. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PQDI charges 0.60% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $3 annually, a gap of $57 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PQDI currently yields 5.61% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
PQDI and VTI share 4 holdings out of 2855 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PQDI or VTI?
PQDI has an expense ratio of 0.60% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $57 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PQDI or VTI?
Over the past year PQDI returned +4.94% vs +22.35% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), PQDI annualized +3.99% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PQDI or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 6.3% for PQDI. Worst drawdown: PQDI -17.4% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both PQDI and VTI?
PQDI and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PQDI and VTI?
PQDI and VTI share 4 common holdings with a 0.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2855 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PQDI or VTI?
PQDI yields 5.61% while VTI yields 1.07%, so PQDI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.